"From the first moment… when the theatre space is plunged into darkness, the students were gripped by the play." —The Examiner, Cork, Ireland

"…a writer with a true sense of how young people speak and handle confrontation. Never before has the mantra of 'sticks and stones' seemed so trite. Names can indeed hurt, break, and destroy." —Pitch Weekly, Kansas City

"A metaphor for the conflicts, pressures, betrayals, and complex friendships experienced by most teenagers…inventive theatre that has a way of touching raw nerve endings." —Robert Trussell, Kansas City Star

By Laurie Brooks

Cast: 4m., 4w., 1 either m. or w.The Wrestling Season tackles subject matter seldom addressed but vital to youth and their families: the search for identity and the peer pressure that accompanies it. Using only the setting of a wrestling mat, eight young people struggle with the destructive power of rumors and how others see them. This is Matt's year to excel on his high-school wrestling team, but innuendo about his friendship with Luke causes Matt to question himself and his priorities. Kori wants to be accepted for who she is, not the way she looks. Melanie copes with a reputation she cannot grow beyond. Jolt and Heather ultimately regret having too much too soon. And Nicole has so little self-esteem that she agrees with everyone. The action is overseen by The Referee, who comments on the action from inside and outside the drama with hand signals and commands. Using images, movement and sound, cast members function as a chorus and as individual characters whose stories are interwoven to create a theatrical event that challenges and reveals their search for identity. The Wrestling Season was commissioned by the Coterie Theatre and developed at The Kennedy Center's New Visions/New Voices and New York University's Program in Educational Theatre. Simple set.

Play details

Status:

In Stock

Type of show:

Full-Length

Catalog Code:

W89

Cast Size:

9

No. of Act(s):

1

Pages:

50

Royalty:

$100.00 /perf.*

Cost:

$10.95

Approx. Running Time:

60 min.

Categories

Target Audience:

High School

Performing Group:

High Schools | College Theatre | Stock & Lort

Genre:

Drama

ISBN (10):

1583420339

Publication Date:

08/21/2000

Biographies

Laurie Brooks is an award-winning playwright and young adult fiction author whose innovative After-Play Interactive Forum designs are changing the way theatres engage audiences. Awards include TCG's National Theatre Artist Residency Program with the Coterie Theatre, Kansas City, Mo.; AT&T Firststage Award; and three Distinguished Play Awards and the Charlotte B. Chorpenning Cup from AATE. She has received grants from ...More

Rights & Availability

This title can be licensed/sold throughout the world * Please note that royalties quoted in our catalog are intended for K-12 schools with a standard curriculum only. All other producing groups must submit a completedapplication.